LANDSCAPING : A flower day with the First Quarter approaching — energy is building and ornamental plantings take root with purpose. Transplant cosmos seedlings to their final spot: 30 cm apart in the row, rows 40 cm; they’ll bush out quickly once established. Zinnia plug plants can go in too — 25 cm apart, rows 30 cm — they love warm soil and will reward you with months of colour. Set out chrysanthemum pot plants now, pinching the growing tips to encourage bushy growth through summer.
ORCHARD : Fruit trees are quietly waking up — a good moment to add a generous layer of compost around the base of cherry tree, plum tree, and quince tree, keeping it clear of the trunk. Divide any clumps of strawberry runners that have crept beyond their bed edges, and press the crowns back firmly to soil level 30 cm apart.
VEGETABLE PATCH : On a flower day, cauliflower and broccoli transplants are a natural fit — both produce edible flowering heads. Set out broccoli plug plants 50 cm apart, rows 60 cm; cauliflower needs a little more room, 60 cm apart, rows 70 cm. Water in with a full watering can per square metre to help roots make contact with the soil. In Mediterranean areas, artichoke offsets can go in now, 1 m apart each way, in a sunny, sheltered corner.
INDOORS : Sweet pea seedlings started under cover will benefit from a light thinning today — keep the strongest stems, 15 cm apart, and move the pots to a bright, cool windowsill to harden off before planting out next week.